Dodgers' Puig accepts invite to HR Derby

The Dodgers' Yasiel Puig will be one of five players representing the NL in Monday's Home Run Derby. DAVID ZALUBOWSKI, AP

DETROIT -- Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig said he has accepted an invitation to participate in the Home Run Derby Monday at Target Field in Minnesota.

Colorado Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is captain of the five-man National League team in this year's event, part of the festivities surrounding the All-Star Game. Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton has also accepted an invite to join Tulowitzki in the Derby. The rest of both teams will be announced Tuesday night.

"I'm just going to try to do my best, not put too much pressure on myself," Puig said through an interpreter.

Puig would not say who he has chosen to throw to him during the Derby.

"It'll be a surprise," he said.

Puig has already been voted into the starting lineup for the NL All-Stars. Teammates Dee Gordon, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke were named to the team as reserves.

There have been some cases of HR Derby participants slumping in the second half. Dodgers hitting coach Mark McGwire dismissed any talk of the event causing slumps as "ridiculous" and Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he has no concerns about Puig participating.

Puig laughed off the idea that participating in the HR Derby would cause his second-half numbers to decline.

"Why?" he said. "My numbers have started to go down already."

Indeed, Puig has batted just .244 (30 for 123) in his past 32 games, dropping his season average from .347 to its current .307. He has just one home run since May 28, ending a stretch of 139 plate appearances without one on Friday in Colorado.

"If I were hitting home runs every day then the pitchers wouldn't be doing their job," Puig said.

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